People have been asking me all month about my “orange drink.” Naturally, because of its color and kick, people assume this drink must be made with zesty oranges. But guess what? This flavorful concoction doesn’t contain a single orange!
However, just like that sweet, healthy fruit, my “orange drink” offers a unique boost of energizing, nutritious deliciousness. And with the cooler temperatures in the air, brewing up and sipping this tea-like beverage has got my insides warm, my mind sharp, and my taste buds dazzled. Finally, I’ve perfected the drink, and I’m excited to share it with you.
What’s the “wow” behind this winning recipe? If you want to help reduce inflammation, support your immune system during cold/flu season, improve your digestion, or just adopt an effective, healthy habit to kick-start your day, a cup or so a day can be powerful. In addition, the ingredients are easy to find in the grocery, plus it’s simple to make. Here is what you need:
Ginger: Ginger root is a warming herb. It has an aromatic herb with a strong warming flavor that doesn’t burn your mouth like, say, chili peppers do. Ginger is excellent for stimulating circulation and great for digestion by promoting motility (or normal muscle contractions) of the intestines. People will often use ginger to help with headaches or nausea and alleviating pain. Ginger is a great winter addition to food and beverages for both its warming and antimicrobial effects. It provides an energizing effect without causing anxiousness or extreme hyperactivity.
Turmeric: Turmeric root is related to ginger but lacks ginger’s intense warming effect. Turmeric is well known for its anti-inflammatory properties, particularly for joints and muscles, but it’s good overall for reducing any chronic inflammatory process. Turmeric also has has an affinity for calming digestive maladies, such as irritable bowel and heartburn. Its bright orange pigments can leave a yellow stain on cookware and anything else that’s in direct contact with the root, but it gives foods and drinks a marvelous orange-yellow color.
Peppercorns (black): The active ingredient in turmeric, curcumin, is released in the presence of piperine found in black pepper. Black pepper itself also promotes a warming, circulatory effect. Pepper helps calm an upset stomach, likely by stimulating gastric secretions needed for digestion. It also has an antimicrobial effect and, in the practice of natural medicine, is common in bronchitis treatment plans.
Cinnamon: Cinnamon bark is a sweet, warming herb. It also enhances circulation, calms digestive upset, reduces flatulence, and helps stimulate the appetite. Cinnamon is also known to be antimicrobial for both intestinal infections and the common cold.
Lemon: Lemons are high in vitamin C, which is good for assisting the immune system during any common cold or flu. Like the other ingredients above, lemons have anti-inflammatory properties as well as aid in digestion.
Honey: Of course, honey is the sweetening agent for this drink but, in general, also helps to coat and soothe irritated mucous membranes such as the throat or the digestive tract.
And now for the recipe…
Energizing Turmeric Tea
1, 3-inch piece Turmeric, peeled and sliced into 1/8 -1/4 inch rounds
1, 3-inch piece Ginger, peeled and sliced into 1/8-1/4 inch rounds
3 sticks Cinnamon
¼ teaspoon Black peppercorns
2 round slices Lemon
1 quart Water
½ teaspoon Honey (optional)
Bring water and all ingredients except for honey to a boil. Cover with lid and let simmer for 20 minutes or longer. Strain tea into a blender. Add pieces of the boiled turmeric and ginger to the blender. (Note: The more ginger blended, the spicier the drink will be.) Add the honey and blend until smooth. You’ll have enough for two servings.
This drink is sweet, warming, and tangy. It is the perfect morning tea to get your day going as well as an ideal afternoon pick-me-up. Enjoy—and cheers!
Click here for Dr. Silapie’s Nourishing Immune-Boosting Broth.